The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1887-06-02

secret. The trio had to cross stream
by means of stepping-stones. The
stranger offered to assist Maudc
Managing to keep his back to Major
Mr.. Browne, alias Lieut..
tenderly pressed Maude's
yielding hand, and with a world of ex-
preston in his blue eyes, whispered:
BE careful, my darling, and all will
yet be we'll with us.
The next morning Mr.. Browne called
on Major Henderson. 81 have just re-
ceived these, and thought you would
perhaps like to look at them." he said,
producing a packet of periodicals.
Major Henderson was glad to avail
himself of the offer. as current litera-
ture was rather difficult to procure in
so-out-of-the-way place.
After little further conversation.
Mr.. Browne was asked if he would
care to join the uncle and niece in their
morning ramble. Again he would be
only too pleased.
When the trio had gone some dis
lance, Major Henderson, wishing to
enjoy quiet. half-hour read. suggested
that he should sit down and rest n lit
tie, while Maude conducted Mr.. Browne
to little spot close by. whence good
view of Snowdon could be obtained.
II would fain. like you, rest little"
replied Mr.. Browne; but as the day is
so unusually clear feel l must make
an effort to take advantage of it, es-
peciallv as this young lady has kindly
consented to act as my guide" And
so Mr.. Browne hobbled Off. with Maude
walking patiently beside him.
As soon as the trees had hidden the
lovers from view. Jack drew Maude to
him, while she, half-laughing and half
crying, stroked his long, gray beard.
..'Oh, Jack. whatever made you come
like this? What do you intend to do?"
This, nv sweetness; and the bold
lover drew from his pocket marriage
license and wedding-ring. Half-play-
fully the gallant lieutenant removed
Maude's glove and slipped on the ring.
What a dear. little hand it looks" he
cried, rapturously, land how happy l
shall be when can call its dear owner
my sweet, little wife,
A slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Major Hender-
son not hundred yards OF.
Maude would have been grateful to
the earth had it opened at that moment
to receive her, but as it showed no
signs of accommodating her, she dis
engaged herself from Mr.. Browne S
embrace and hastily handed him back
the ring.
Mr.. Browne was equal to the occas-
ion, although he had grave misgivings,
as he hobbled toward Major Henderson.
"Were you fastening to join us?
You see we haven't got far. am a
wretched walker at the best of times;
and in such scenery as this, one feels
forced to pause frequently to look
around"
Il expected to meet you coming
back" explained the major. But
was looking for yon in that direction"
indicating another path more to the
right. Il was quite surprised when l
saw you coming toward me-"
With what feelings of relief did the
lovers listen to the majors innocent
remarks!
AT their early dinner the major drew
from his pocket letter which he had
received by the mornings post and had
forgotten to read. with a polite
Excuse me. my dear" to his niece,
he hastily glanced at the contents. Il
must leave for London by the II O. clock
train tomorrow morning." he ex-
claimed. 'This letter is of the utmost
Importance. How stupid of me to
have delayed reading it.'
Gam l to accompany you, uncleP"
asked Maude, family.
mo, no, my dear; there is no need
for you to do that. l shall be back
here by the evening of the following
day."
The major was very preoccupied un-
til dinner was over, but as Maude had
also much food for reflection, silence
was agreeable to both.
Il wonder if l could do anything for
Mr.. Browne while l am in town."
queried the major. 'My DEAR" turn
ing to Maude, lust write little note
to him, asking him to step over for a
minute. You know we half-promised
to show him the way to Fairy Glen
this afternoon. l don't feel inclined
for any more walking myself; but there
is no reason why you shouldn't accom-
pany him, if YOU are not tired and he
is agreeable to the arrangement"
Maude's note quickly brought Mr..
Browne, and the lovers were soon on
their way to Fairy Glen.
"My darling, we are in luck's way!'
exclaimed Jack ''Your uncle absence
will make matters as simple as an
A B C guide. l shall have tomorrow
to make the necessary arrangements.
We can be married the following morn
ing. and by the time your uncle returns
in the evening we shall be miles away
from here"
Maude asquiesced rather reluctantly.
She loved Jack dearly; but still she had
some compunction about deceiving her
uncle, who, with the exception of the
unaccountable obstinacy he had shown
toward her lover, had always been
ready to humor her. Jack, however,
drew such a glowing picture of the
happiness in store for them and de-
clared with so much confidence Major
| Henderson's anger would not last more
than three weeks, when once the IRE
vocable step was taken, that Maude
was much comforted.
When they returned Major Hender-
son pressed Mr.. Browne to spend the
evening at Honeysuckle Cottage. Tea
being over, the major asked Maude il
she would mind packing his portman-
| teau for him.
Il have laid out the things l wish te
take, my dear. You will fit them in
more neatly than l could"
Maude was delighted to have an OPP
portunity of doing at last little kindly
| act.
Directly she had left the room, ting
Major began fidgeting about, and al
length got up and paced the room.
Suddenly turning to Mr.. Browne. he
said: Comparative stranger are you tc
ME, / feel as if l must tell you the ma.
ture of the business which is calling
me to London so suddenly that to
speak of it would be an immense re-
lief"
| The STRANGER was all symDathetic al